Practice Areas / Labor & Employment Law

There is a nerve called the “median nerve” which, along with several tendons, runs from the forearm to the hand, right through a tiny space in the wrist called the ‘carpal tunnel.’ This median nerve is responsible for sensation and movement in the thumb, index finger, middle finger and ring finger.

When the space referred to as the ‘carpal tunnel’ becomes smaller due to swelling, or excessive pressure is placed on this nerve, the resulting symptoms are referred to as carpal tunnel syndrome.

The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are extremely unpleasant and can include varying degrees of numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand and fingers. Another symptom commonly experienced is the sudden loss of grip, resulting in dropping whatever was being held.

The effects of carpal tunnel syndrome can leave you with a permanent difficulty in moving your fingers and wrists, and a difficulty in gripping objects. This can cause everyday activities to become extremely difficult.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
While many people think of excessive typing and computer use as the main cause for carpal tunnel, it can be caused by many other factors, especially by engaging in activities that require repetitive motion or intense use of the muscles in the wrists.

Some common jobs that may cause carpal tunnel syndrome:

Construction and any other profession requiring repetitive use of a screwdriver
Weeding a garden by hand
Knitting/crocheting
Playing stringed instruments with a bow like the violin
Milking cows
Automobile mechanic
Cashiering
Assembly worker
Locksmith

Carpal tunnel syndrome can also be caused or exacerbated by arthritis and other diseases related to the wrists.

Carpal tunnel is a common worker’s compensation claim
Due to the extensive damage carpal tunnel syndrome can cause, and the uncertain outcomes of surgeries, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms you’ll want to contact an experienced lawyer to help you file a worker’s compensation claim as soon as possible.

Since the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can take months or sometimes years to develop, it’s common for people to file worker’s compensation claims years after they’ve left their job.

How to be sure your worker’s compensation claim is heard
You may be able to recover lost wages as well as medical expenses with a carpal tunnel syndrome claim. However, in order to collect worker’s compensation for carpal tunnel syndrome, you need to make sure you report your injury to your employer immediately. Or, if you’ve already left your job, you must report the injury as soon as you realize it was caused by your job. You’ll want to file your claim with your employer’s insurance company.

Additionally, in order to have a legitimate claim, you need to get medical treatment and be sure to follow all of your doctor’s instructions. If you don’t seek medical treatment or follow your doctor’s instructions, your claim may be deemed invalid.

An experienced lawyer can help you recover worker’s compensation
If you’re experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome due to a work related injury, the best thing to do is contact an experienced lawyer to help you file a worker’s compensation claim. The help of a skilled lawyer will make sure you get the compensation you deserve.